The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Alkali Lake
Cherry County, Nebraska · 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
53°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SSE).
About Big Alkali Lake
Big Alkali Lake spreads over 840 acres in Cherry County, Nebraska. Big Alkali Lake lies within the Nebraska Sandhills in Cherry County and gives its name to a state wildlife management area.
From end to end it runs about 2.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 5.6 miles. The water sits about 2,870 ft above sea level. Valentine lies about 16 miles to the north.
- Size
- 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 5.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,870 ft
- Type
- Salt lake
- County
- Cherry County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Nebraska mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 53°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:31 am · sunset 5:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Alkali Lake
- Valentineabout 16 mi north
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Questions about Big Alkali Lake
What fish are in Big Alkali Lake?
Lakes like Big Alkali Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Alkali Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Alkali Lake?
840 acres, with about 5.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Alkali Lake?
Valentine is about 16 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Big Alkali Lake today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Alkali Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
